ALPINE, WYO – Is that a music festival on a reservoir, at a brewery, in a small town, with an intimate feel and unique lineup to the region? Believe it. Music at Melvin is brought to you by the same folks of Gray Bear Productions that staged Reggae in the Rockies back in June, and it’s a labor of love to produce a series of music gatherings in Alpine, Wyoming by a local small business owner. This Saturday will feature Donavon Frankenreiter, Dumpstaphunk, Ethan Tucker, Little Stranger, Cole & The Thornes, and Driftwood at Melvin Brewing.
“We’re trying to bring music to the community,” said festival founder and owner of Jackson Hole Adventure Rentals, Dave Walters. “We’re not trying to make money off of these shows and we set the ticket prices to break even. We want to keep the live music momentum going with national talent.”
Walters’ first foray into bringing music to Alpine was during Labor Day Weekend last year on his own property. At the time, live music was nearly dormant in the region due to COVID precautions and his attempt at having a safe, socially distanced event was a success. This spurred a vision to expand the event, and a three-show agreement with Melvin Brewing soon followed to bring two Reggae in the Rockies events — June 5-6 and the upcoming TBA event on Sept. 18 — as well as this weekend’s eclectic Music at Melvin.
Donavon Frankenreiter has played in Jackson previously in 2013 and 2017. The surfing troubadour brings a Jack Johnson-style vibe with modern acoustic hooks and laid-back grooves via a trio. The Alpine performance will be the lone Western show to close his summer tour.
Dumpstaphunk is one of the best names in New Orleans’ quiver of heavyweight bands that can reach that deep pocket of groove. It’s a gumbo, of course, stirring a melting pot of old school R&B, jam, soul, and blues. The band’s new release, Where Do We Go From Here, is the band’s fourth release since since its 2013 debut, Dirty Word. The core members include keyboardist Ivan Neville, guitarist Ian Neville, guitarist and bassist Tony Hall, and bassist Nick Daniels, joined by new members trumpeter Ryan Nyther, drummer Devin Trusclair and trombonist Alex Wasily.
“No matter who you are, no matter where you come from or what you believe in, we have some things in common and music is a common thread,” Ivan Neville told Nola.com in April.
From appearing on “The Voice” to collaborations with his buddy Michael Franti, Ethan Tucker journeys to Music at Melvin from Olympia, Washington. His music is reggae-splashed, bluesy and soulful. Ahead of Tucker, be sure to check out up-and-coming alternative hip-hop duo Little Stranger, reggae gypsy-infused soul band Cole & The Thornes, and Star Valley-based local country act Driftwood.
Concerned about travel from Jackson to Alpine, or where to stay? Enjoy one of the many campgrounds or off-grid camping nearby, or take a load off by taking advantage of the $30 shuttles to/from Jackson and venue. Free parking is also available on site. Tickets are available at two price points, with kids under 12 free. General admission is $90 each or $150 including a signed show poster and two drinks. For tickets, lodging, shuttles and more information, visit GrayBearProductions.com.
